We know that there are perhaps 40,000 unique mutations affecting more than 10,000 genes and that there are 500 of these genes that are bonafide drivers — causes — of cancer. Yet comparatively we have about a dozen targeted medications.

Source: "Open-Source Cancer Research." TEDxBoston 2011. May 2007. Conference Presentation. Additional Information: This quote is from the 2011 TED Talk of cancer researcher Jay Bradner. The quote is about the inadequacy of cancer medications. Bradner is saying that since there are hundreds of known cancer causes, one would think that there would be close to as many different treatments that target these specific causes; however, there are only about 12 medications for cancer. Watch Bradner's Talk on the "open-source" future of cancer research: Jay Bradner - Open-Source Cancer Research